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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-10 School Committee Minutes - 1VED READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE +irl CLERK ` Reading, Massachusetts R`.A'C''G. MASS. Regular Session SeotemligQl bddi P 12 14 CALL TO ORDER Chair Twomey called the meeting to order at 7:28 p.m. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, Griset, Keigley, Russo and Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Richards, administrators and new teachers. INTRODUCTION OF NEW TEACHERS Chair Twomey welcomed the new teachers and administrators to the Reading Public Schools. Dr. Harmunian discussed the number of new teachers and the large number of retirements due to the new teachers retirement program. Principal Frank Orlando introduced new staff at Reading Memorial High School. Principal John Doherty introduced new staff at the Coolidge Middle School. Principal Joe Finigan introduced new staff at the Parker Middle School. Mr. Finigan thanked Sherry Carpenella for her assistance in hiring new staff at the Parker Middle School. Principal Karen Callan introduced new staff at the Barrows Elementary School. Principal Richard Davidson introduced new staff at the Birch Meadow Elementary School. Principal Paul Guerrette introduced new staff at the Killam Elementary School. Director of Special Education introduced new staff at the RISE preschool program. At 8:05 p.m. Chair Twomey advised that the School Committee would take a short break. At 8:10 p.m. Chair Twomey called the meeting back to order. Chair Twomey welcomed Selectmen Liaison Matt Cummings to the meeting. 4 Regular Session 2 September 10 2001 PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian discussed the Reading Summer Institute run by Principal John Doherty and Assistant Principal Gary Hart. Dr. Harutunian advised that Interim Director of Facilities Dom Cacciaputoi would be attending the indoor air quality seminar. Dr. Harutunian congratulated Andrew Keen 3rd grader at the Eaton School for winning the Anti-Tobacco Contest. Dr. Harutunian advised that information on certified free cash was received and included in the School Committee packet. Dr. Harutunian stated that a letter from Governor Jane Swift regarding on-going budget deliberations was included in the School Committee packet. Mr. Dahl thanked Mr. Foley for his hard work and dedication to the Reading School Committee and the Town of Reading. Dr. Harutunian stated that due to the untimely death of Bob Swanson one social study teaching position at the high school is vacant. He stated that 13 educational assistants are still needed. Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on transportation 6-8. He distributed a letter that was sent to Parker parents informing them of space available on the bus. Dr. Harutunian thanked Maureen Hanifan for her work on this matter. Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on the Killam boiler project. Dr. Harutunian stated that he had received confirmation of the bullying grant for $100,000 over two years. Dr. Harutunian distributed an article from the Boston Globe regarding later starts for high school students. Dr. Harutunian advised that he had met with Eaton parents concerned with class size this afternoon. He stated that the parents are motivated to work with the Reading Public ( Schools. Letter being put together outlining what has been done and a list of things �r Eaton parents can do to help support teachers. 4 Regular Session 3 September 10 2001 SCHOOL COMMITTEE CALENDAR Dr. Harutunian advised that he had met with the Chair regarding the organizational meeting. He is continuing to work to find a facilitator. OLD BUSINESSS Dr. Hanrtunian asked the Committee, by consensus, to approve removing the $30,000 nurse from the cut list and replacing that $30,000 with increased revenue from tuition in special education. Chair Twomey stated that this results in no net change in nursing staff. Mr. Cummings asked if the $30,000 included benefits because the town would have to budget for this position for benefits. Dr. Harutrmian advised that the benefit cost for this position already exists in the Town's budget. 4 It was the consensus of the Committee that the nurse position be removed from the cut list. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Russo moved that the Superintendent present to the School Committee all standardized student test data—MCAS Standford 9's 8;'s IOWA tests and an other since 1990 for the entire schools stem; summary data Standford 8's and 9's on each elementary and middle school date of any curriculum change in math and reading and the timetable be the end of October and that the Superintendent and School Committee discuss the statistical methods or other evaluations to be performed. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion Mr. Russo read a statement regarding his campaign pledge of accountability especially to the voters who voted for him recently. Mc Dahl stated that the information has been presented to the Committee every year. Mr. Dahl discussed MCAS results. He stated that this year's MCAS results will be out in the next month or two and a presentation would take place. Ms. Cavicchi stated that the Superintendent has made presentations to the Committee on tests results. She stated that curriculum night is held twice a year and there is opportunity 4 to ask faculty about curriculum. `'' Regular Session 4 September 10 2001 Dr. Harutunian stated that it is important to note that anything prior to 1994 is pre-state testing and pre-curriculum frameworks. Mr. Griset stated that the Committee has been given the information on MCAS scores, Stanford scores and IOWA scores Mr. Keigley stated that the School Committee has received the information. Mr. Russo stated that he was surprised by the reaction of the Committee. He stated that he is accountable to the people who voted for him and he asked for a presentation. He stated that if the school system cannot afford the time he will get volunteers. He stated that if a report has been done he would like to see it. He stated that the only information presented so far has been MCAS information. Mr. Cummings stated that as a member of the community he feels informed about standardized testing. Mr. Russo made an amendment to the motion to use 1994 instead of 1990 There was no second to the amendment to the motion. The vote on the original motion was 1-4-1 Mr. Russo voted Yes, Mr. Twomey abstained and Ms Caviechi Mr. Dahl Mr. Griset and Mr. Keigley voted no Chair Twomey stated that typically the School Committee asked the Superintendent directly for information. That allows the Administration to work a burdensome task into their schedule. He stated that asking for a motion indicates that the Superintendent must be forced to give information when we normally get the information without a problem. He stated he would abstain. He is not opposed to assessing curriculum he is opposed to the manner in which the issue was brought up. Mr. Griset stated that he thinks all members want Mr. Russo to have whatever data he needs. He asked that Mr. Russo meet with the Superintendent to get the information he was looking for. Mrs. Phillips stated that she has been following the School Committee for two years and has only missed 4 or 5 meetings and she has never heard Standford 9 or IOWAs. Dr. Harutunian stated that the School Committee has received all test scores and members of the community that have requested the information have received test data. 4 Regular Session 5 September 10 2001 EXECUTIVE SESSION Ms. Cavicchi moved at 9,15 P.m. to move to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Teachers Association, Secretaries & Clerks Nurses Custodial Maintenance Workers Cafeteria Employees, Educational Assistants and Administrators and to discuss Pending litigation and to discuss the deployment of security Personnel or devices not to return to regular session. Mr. Griset seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0 Ms. Cavicchi Mr. Dahl Mr. Griset Mr- Kei le Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Respectfully submitted, Harry rutunia Superintendent of Schools 4 L